The Art of A Needle And Threads

I have embroidered since I was eight. One of my first passion was Kashubian designs. And it still is. In 1209 Duke of Pomerania Mestwin I established Norbertine monastery in Żukowo. Nuns decorated chasubles and tablecloths of altars and taught girls from Kashubian villages embroidery. In 18th century every noble Kashubian woman had to have a beautiful bonnet covered by specific motifs. That is how Kashubian embroidery began. I use traditional motifs but create my own designs.

 

Small tablecloth with Kashubian motifs

 

A pillow for my niece

 

My medieval bag covered by bonnet pattern

 

Klaryssa's pouch: Kashubian motifs with ambers and pearls

 

In ancient Persia some very original embroidery was born: hardanger. The modern name comes from Norway where this kind of embroidery became very popular in 17th century. The traditional Norwegian costume items of clothing, mats, curtains and other are very often decorated in this way.

A Hardanger napkin

 Probably in 17th century some new kind of embroidery appeared: Venice or Richelieu embroidery. To my surprise this kind of embroidery isn't popular in other countries.

A pillow for my niece with a Venice monogram

 Next kind of embroidery which I like very much is English embroidery from 19th century. Very delicate and subtle.

 

Napkins with English embroidery and needle laces

 

A small napkin for my sister

 

A tablecloth for a dressing table with needle laces

 And my last passion is historical type of embroidery. There is a fragment of an Embroidered band from 14th - 15th century in Victoria and Albert Museum. This fragment seems to be the remains of a larger piece, possibly an item of church vestment. I have made it as a pouch.

My medieval pouch made of silk